Baruti K. Kafele

Most teachers pursue education as a career because of a desire to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. But some of us come to this work for additional reasons and look at it through particular lenses. Race is one of those lenses. We shouldn’t deny that, but embrace it […]

“Expose me to my history because I need to know who I am historically.” This is the sentiment of Black children all across the U.S. Some students are able to articulate it, but many others simply realize that there is something missing in their classrooms. They know that learning lacks […]

I knew even before I landed my first teaching position that my presence as a Black male educator was going to matter. My main purpose for entering the education ranks was to inform, inspire, and empower the Black male learner. I have always cared deeply for all my students, but […]

As a former athlete, I understand firsthand the importance of good coaching. Coaches are leaders. Their leadership improves individual players and the team as a unit. Imagine if an athletic team didn’t have a head coach. The team would lack direction, guidance, structure, systems, and a central source of motivation […]

When I was a principal, I regularly referred to my school community as a family. When I delivered my morning message, I would say, “Good morning to my Newark Tech family.” I used the words “family” and “community” intentionally because I wanted my students to see the school as more […]